Rev. Nikki BakerLead Pastor
Pastor Nikki was ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church in 2014. She holds a B.S. in Education and a B.A. in Spanish from Miami University. She received her M. Div. from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio with an emphasis on church renewal. Nikki served for two years as the pastor of Camden UMC, then was called to Central Ohio where she served as an associate pastor at Stonybrook UMC. She served Stonybrook in Gahanna for 7 years with a focus on discipleship, teaching, identifying and equipping laity to lead, launching new ministries, and administration. Before coming to Lancaster First, Nikki served as the pastor of Pataskala UMC for four years.
She and her husband, Matt are high school sweethearts, graduating from Valley View High School in Germantown, Ohio. They have been married for thirty years. They are parents to John (23) and Grace (20). John is a student at Ohio University, majoring in Fine Arts. Grace is a senior at Kent State and is majoring in American Sign Language. Their golden doodle puppy, Smidgen “Smidgie” is a new addition to the family and is looking forward to being Pastor Nikki’s sidekick at church and around town. Nikki is a nature-nerd, a birdwatcher, and a people-lover. Her favorite seasons are fall and spring—prime times for “bird migration.” She enjoys reading, spending time with family, hiking, and playing board games. Her greatest joys are walking with others as they explore their faith, learning and growing in community, and sharing the good news of God’s relentless grace and deep compassion for all people.
(740) 653-3330, ext. 1001
Philippians 2:5-11
Rev. Amy Wood
Associate Pastor
Amy was ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church in 2001.She holds a B.S. in Psychology from The Ohio State University and received her M. Div. from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio. She served 6 years as an associate pastor and 17 years as a Children’s Pastor while coordinating the care and education of her children, particularly her son who has autism. She is the mother to 2 adult sons and enjoys spending time with her family, curling up on the swing with a good book, baking, and cheering on the OSU football team. She has a passion for helping others to connect with Christ and to grow in their faith.
(740) 653-3330, ext. 1105
